Dodge's 2023-24 Hornet R/T combines performance with racy styling to form a compelling AWD CUV

If you’re old enough to remember the AMC Hornet car of yesteryear, Dodge resurrected that name for their 2023-2024 compact Hornet compact-utility vehicle (CUV). It takes that badging to new heights in todays market. 

The original Hornet name was for an AMC Hornet that ended production in 1977. Then in 1987, Chrysler acquired AMC and the Hornet name that was dormant until 2006 when Chrysler bestowed it on a 2006 Hornet concept. It was a five-door mini MPV and was powered by a 1.6-liter supercharged Tritec inline 4-cylinder that generated 170-hp and 165 lb/ft of torque, and it was FWD. However, it never entered production and was rumored to find a home as a Fiat or Alfa Romero. 

That never came to fruition until 2023 when Dodge debuted it as a hot performer for a reasonable price. The  2024 Hornet compact crossover is based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which is not a bad Italian marriage. And it’s the first Dodge vehicle to be offered as a plug-in-hybrid. 

Hornet is offered in GT, GT Plus, R/T and R/T Plus AWD that we were privileged to test. Unfortunately, we tested the non-hybrid 2023 as the 2024 was not available for testing, but we’ll also describe the PHEV version that will probably be the most popular because of its efficiency. 

Hornet R/T Plus tested has distinctive, muscular styling with a hood that has twin functional air scoops that Dodge calls “integrated heat extractors.” The grille has a “mail slot” of sorts opening while the back end has curvy, rounded styling with a tail-light assembly that slots across the entire liftgate.  

Hornet’s interior has sporty, perforated leatherette heated/cooled front seats that have snugging lateral support, a 10.25-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that rounds out an attractive cockpit. 

The information display serves the Harmon Kardon audio, navigation, rearview, front view and surrounding view cameras, climate selections and mode selections plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity.  

Hornet’s console houses the 9-speed automatic transmission gear selector and a phone charger.

We must take issue with the rear doors, as the first time I opened the driver’s side, its wing of sorts at the top side of the door, hit me in the noggin. It’s pointed. Dodge could have rounded it somewhat while still maintaining a swept back design. 

Back seats are a bit on the firm side for two adults or three youngsters as the transaxle floor is low allowing some leg room for short legs. 

Back in the cargo area, it’s fairly spacious and rated at 22.9 cubic feet that measures 31.75 inches deep, 38.5 wide and 30 high. Since the rear seatbacks don’t fold, there is a pass-through to stow long items. Beneath the trunk floor is a space saver spare tire and four hard-foam bins for small item storage. 

The 2023 tested was powered by a 2.0-liter inline turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates 268-hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. When routed through the 9-speed automatic transmission, it garners EPA mileage estimates of 21 city, 29 highway mpg. In Sport mode, and when the turbo kicks in, Hornet can do a 0-60 sprint in 6.5 seconds according to Dodge. It has lively acceleration from a standing stop and when passing 18-wheelers. And while in Sport mode, Hornet’s exhaust tone has a throaty delicious sound. It carries a tow rating of up to 2,000 pounds. 

Now for the PHEV plug-in version. It comes with a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 6-speed auto trans and when joined by an electric motor, generates an impressive 288-hp and 383 lb/ft of torque. With its 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, Hornet has an all-electric range of about 32 miles with EPA ratings of 77 MPGe. 

The R/T PHEV has a PowerShot mode that can provide a boost of 30-hp that offers a 15-second burst of added power that’s provided by the battery and electric motor for a 0-60 sprint of 5.6 seconds. To accomplish this, the driver has to pull back both paddle shifters while tromping the accelerator. 

Going back to our 2023 test car, handling is responsive and positive. Hornet can be tossed in the turns and it sticks with confidence. And it parks easily with a tight 37.95 feet turn radius. As for snowy weather and AWD, Hornet has a modest ground clearance of 6.1 inches. And the ride on 19-inch Goodyear tires is a bit on the taut side as its tuned for a sporty ride with Koni FSD shock absorbers and Chapman suspension with rear stabilizer bar. 

Price wise, our Hornet carried a base price of $34,995, but escalated after adding the Blacktop Package ($1,995) that is essentially a trim package; Teck Pack ($2,245) consisting of the surround view camera, front/rear/side park assist, drowsy driver detection, active driving assist and intelligent speed assist; compact spare tire ($350 this is an unusual charge); Blu Bayou exterior color ($495); and delivery ($1,595) which  took the bottom line to $41,060. 

Hornet carries a 3-year 36K new vehicle warranty and a 5/60K powertrain. If opting for the PHEV version, the R/T’s hybrid battery is warranted for 10/100K miles. 

Beginning life as an AMC Hornet, the 2023-24 is a real looker and performer in either non or PHEV hybrid configuration. I’d love to see it if Dodge could shoehorn in an explosive Hellcat V8 engine. So powered, Hornet could probably do wheelies. 
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